Adam Craig:

The King and I

From cheesecake to portraits, but still no Michelle McCool...

My colleagues at Sky Sports News obviously didn't read Tuesday's blog. I was woken on Wednesday by a 4.30am text. Was I happy with the arrangements for feeding Wednesday's material? I gave an honest reply: at that precise moment it wasn't my primary concern!

Note to Sky Sports News colleagues: London is six hours ahead of Houston. Note to self: Turn phone off when you go to bed.

With the WrestleMania activities kicking off on Wednesday afternoon we had a couple of hours for sightseeing. A chance to explore Houston and take a detailed look at the city's cultural wonderment.

Lawler: has drawn Shaq, Clarke Gable and our own Adam Craig

My detailed findings: Houston Galleria is the fourth largest mall in America. It has more than 375 stores and restaurants, an ice rink, and two hotels. My retail therapy was curtailed (and credit card saved) by a call from Sky HQ. Tuesday's technical problems at Fox Houston were insurmountable and we'd have to feed from Total Video (complete with aforementioned scenery) for the rest of the week.

The artwork was impressive. And so were the divas. Natalya, Beth Phoenix and a pair of twins: Brie and Nikki Bella. But as the great man said, you get nothing for a pair. Still no Michelle McCool. The search continues.

Off to 'The Cheesecake Factory' for lunch. Let's not be greedy - a club sandwich will be more than enough. It would have been more than enough. For five. What will my mother be most proud of? The fact that I cleared my plate or the fact that I ironed a shirt when I got back to the hotel? I'll keep you posted on the answer.

The highlight of The Galleria was a tee-shirt stall where each garment contained several words of wisdom. They were clearly expecting me... 'I started thinking that I eat too much. I gave up thinking.'

WrestleMania XXV is serious business and can only be tackled on a full stomach.

Next stop: Houston Public Library for the WrestleMania Art exhibition. Fans lucky enough to get a ticket were able to view several pieces of artwork created by the WWE superstars and donated to the Library Foundation.

Accomodating

Myself, cameraman Ben and PR guru Jamie waited in the hotel lobby for our WWE provided transport. Is a 10-seater stretch limo excessive for three men and a camera? Of course not. We're in Texas. Bigger is better!

Mr Kennedy, a good friend of Sky Sports News, was pleased to see me and even more pleased to show me a sketch of his dog 'Austin', named after Stone Cold Steve.

The Hardy brothers, Matt and Jeff, were amongst the talent in attendance and as accommodating as ever to the select group of fans and media alike. Happy to answer the same questions repeatedly.

The artwork was impressive. And so were the divas. Natalya, Beth Phoenix and a pair of twins: Brie and Nikki Bella. But as the great man said, you get nothing for a pair. Still no Michelle McCool. The search continues.

The most impressive work on display? No contest. Jerry 'The King' Lawler told me that he has been wrestling for 38 years and painting for even longer. Now a ring announcer - the WWE's answer to Andy Gray - he was speaking in a whisper to protect his hoarse voice for Sunday's extravaganza.

His fine display included pencil sketches of several baseball players, a portrait of Shaquille O'Neal and an oil painting of Clarke Gable. I felt one name was missing from this illustrious list. Yours truly.

Five minutes later I was the proud owner of a Jerry Lawler original signed by the artist. 'To my friend Adam. You rule! JL 2009'